Summer is time for fun in the sun. You don’t want he hassle of emergency plumbing repairs when you are trying to have a great summer cookout. Here are some things you might want to think about, when it comes to protecting your plumbing.

Cookouts And Food Cleanup –

Summer cookouts include foods like corn on the cob, watermelon, and lots of vegetables. Your kitchen garbage disposal can really take a beating if you are trying to dispose of these foods down the drain. These foods are just too hard on your kitchen disposal. A better solution would be to put them in your Regular Compost bin or a Red Worm Composting bin. – This is our “helping the environment” side talking.

Making compost is really quite easy and it is helpful for the environment – turning waste into brown gold for your plants. If you want some great information about composting and how beneficial it is for the environment and your plants check out Compostguy.com. They have great information on how to get started.

Tree Root Plumbing Trauma –

Tree roots love their water. Trees have a sense about these things and if you have a pipe running under the ground, tree roots grow toward where they know the water is, even if it is inside your pipes. It’s an amazing thing except when those roots start growing into your sewer lines. At that point things can become rather bad for flushing toilets and washing clothes or taking showers. Water can start to back up into your home or you can find a rather large wet spot in your lawn. If this happens, it’s time to call in the experts.

Clogged sewer lines can be augured out and the roots treated so they will not grow into the pipes again. There are sleeves that can be installed inside the old lines or last but not least, there is digging up the old and replacing them with new. If you have a choice, an ounce of prevention can head off this kind of headache in the future.

When you are planting trees in your yard, it is a really good idea to know where your sewer lines are and plan for the future by planting those trees far away from those pipes. Don’t forget to look up. You don’t want to plant them near power lines either..

Summer Plumbing Leaks Checkup –

Summer is a great time to get around your house and check for leaks. Winter snows and spring rains can make things more difficult to try to get this chore done. Summer is dry and warm so it just makes sense to do a through look over of all your plumbing. Here is what you should do.

Check all your faucets, toilets, shower-heads and other fixtures for leaks. Look inside cabinets under sinks and around toilets for water damage. Go into your basement or crawl space and look over all pipes. Check for wet spots on the pipes and see if there are any wet spots on the floors or area surrounding the pipes.

Leaks are one of the most common offenders for wasting water. Even a small drip can waste amazing amounts of water in a week which can cost you in higher utility bills. You could literally be throwing money down your drain! Some leaks are hard to detect because they are hidden from site. You can check for these hidden leaks by examining your water meter during a period of time when no water is being used. If you leave for the day, read your meter and write it down. Check it when you return and see if the meter has moved. If your meter moves over this period of time, you have a leak that needs to be fixed. You will want to contact your plumber to get that taken care of.

Well that is enough for now. Don’t forget to “Call Carey” if you need any repairs to your plumbing systems. We hope that you have a great summer.

Send us your questions

]]>http://careyplumbingandheating.com/437/feed/1Get That AC Ready!!http://careyplumbingandheating.com/get-that-ac-ready/
http://careyplumbingandheating.com/get-that-ac-ready/#respondWed, 13 May 2015 14:55:18 +0000http://careyplumbingandheating.com/?p=420Soon the temperatures will be rising. Is your air conditioning unit ready it’s annual summer workout? Outdoors you will want to make sure the unit is clean and free from obstructions. Trim back any trees or shrubs that may have grown in and are touching the unit. Make sure the slab of concrete that the […]

]]>Soon the temperatures will be rising. Is your air conditioning unit ready it’s annual summer workout? Outdoors you will want to make sure the unit is clean and free from obstructions. Trim back any trees or shrubs that may have grown in and are touching the unit. Make sure the slab of concrete that the unit sits on is level and in good shape. Use a soft brush to remove dirt and sweep off any accumulated dirt from off the units casing and concrete pad.

Indoors you will want to change your filters. One inch filters should be changed monthly. Larger filters should be changed according to the manufacturers recommendations. Don’t forget to also reverse your ceiling fans for the summer also. Having fans on when you are in the room, helps the room feel cooler but they do nothing to actually cool your home. Save energy by shutting them off when you leave the room.

Schedule A Professional AC Tune-Up

Manufactures of heating and air conditioning equipment recommend that equipment be serviced annually.

If you own a car, you probably get the oil changed regularly, change the brakes and tires as they show wear and get a tune-up as recommended by the maker. Heating and cooling equipment needs the same kind of care to keep it running efficiently and to help them last as long as possible.

One of the best reasons to get your AC Tune-up each year is to prevent breakdowns. Regular tune ups can prevent up to 95% of breakdowns and can lower your utility bills by up to 25%. Peace of mind and savings, gotta love it!

In the north, spring is a great time to schedule your AC Tune-up. This will ensure that your system is charged, has no leaks and is clean and lubricated so it can keep you cool all summer long. Give us a call to schedule your AC Tune-up. Our schedule does get filled up quickly, so for easy scheduling, call early. If you are thinking about a new system, our techs can answer all your questions about the best products for your home. We are here to give you the best possible service: 989-687-2044.

]]>http://careyplumbingandheating.com/get-that-ac-ready/feed/0Tips -Choosing Your Best HVAC Companyhttp://careyplumbingandheating.com/tips-for-choosing-your-best-hvac-company/
http://careyplumbingandheating.com/tips-for-choosing-your-best-hvac-company/#commentsWed, 04 Mar 2015 19:56:01 +0000http://careyplumbingandheating.com/?p=398 How do you choose a plumbing and heating service provider? That may seem like an interesting question to ask an HVAC company, but there are a few things we can tell you from experience. We do know this industry from the inside out. We are out in the field and we see the work […]

How do you choose a plumbing and heating service provider? That may seem like an interesting question to ask an HVAC company, but there are a few things we can tell you from experience. We do know this industry from the inside out. We are out in the field and we see the work other companies leave behind. Sometimes the work is good. Other times we have seen things that are really not good. We have found work that is not up to code. We have found work that is dangerous and could potentially cause harm. How do you choose a company you can trust? We hope the following tips will help you find a good company that meets your needs.Watch out for deals that seem too good to be true.
If it sounds too good to be true it will probably bite you in the tush. Furnace or AC checkups that cost half off what other companies are charging will probably get you half the work performed. A good tune up entails cleaning and testing equipment, checking to see if all operations are within recommended parameters and more. These things take time and that means paying a trained and licensed technician. If a company is cutting corners to cut the price, you are probably not getting a thorough tune up on your equipment and this could mean trouble in the long run.Watch out for estimates that are too low.
The lowest price is not always the best price. Lower prices can mean that corners are being cut on product quality or service. We have seen the completely wrong valves installed to reduce the cost of an installation. This can be dangerous if you are talking about lines that are under the pressure of gas or steam. You want to ensure that all products and work are done up to state and local codes. These codes are put in place for safety. Make sure your contractor is pulling permits and that the work will be inspected for proper installation.Watch out for companies without history.
Lots of companies go out of business each year. If you have your equipment installed by a company that goes out of business, it is going to be difficult to get any warranty replacements if they are needed. When you hire a company that has been is business for several years, they have weathered the ups and downs of the economy and growing pains that businesses go through. This is the type of company that will be there when you need them.Watch out when using the yellow pages.
When choosing an HVAC contractor, the yellow pages is probably the worst place to look. It pays to do some background checking before choosing a contractor. This includes looking at reviews. Quality companies invite reviews and love to share them with their customers. Check company websites and Facebook pages are a good place to start looking for reviews. Even small companies usually have a least a basic website and if they are savvy at all, they will have a Facebook page also. Angie’s list is another good place to look for reviews but they do require you to become a member to view full information.The Best way to choose.
The worst time to look for an HVAC company is when you have an emergency. There are times of the year that are really bad for finding emergency services. When temperatures are freezing and pipes are bursting every company in town is busy and working overtime to try to help their customers. If you don’t have a relationship with a company, you can be put at the bottom of the list, below regular customers with an established relationship.
The best way to choose a plumbing & heating company is to look at what is available which should include checking out websites, reviews and social networking pages. When reading reviews, don’t be afraid of a couple of bad reviews if most reviews are good. Everybody has a bad day once in a while and it might be that the customer was having the bad day, not the company. After you have done some research, give your best choice company a try by having them service your furnace or air conditioning unit.
Manufacturers recommend yearly service on all heating and cooling equipment so this is a great place to start a relationship with a new provider, not when you have an emergency.

]]>http://careyplumbingandheating.com/tips-for-choosing-your-best-hvac-company/feed/4Makeing The Best Countertop Purchase Decisionhttp://careyplumbingandheating.com/makeing-the-best-countertop-purchase-decision/
http://careyplumbingandheating.com/makeing-the-best-countertop-purchase-decision/#respondTue, 23 Dec 2014 14:34:38 +0000http://careyplumbingandheating.com/?p=376Bathroom Countertops 101: The Top Surface Materials Thanks from our friends at HOUZZ….. Choosing the perfect material for one’s bathroom countertops can be a bit of a brain teaser, thanks to the abundant — and quite attractive — options available at nearly every price level. But because bathroom surfaces typically don’t face the same abuse […]

Choosing the perfect material for one’s bathroom countertops can be a bit of a brain teaser, thanks to the abundant — and quite attractive — options available at nearly every price level. But because bathroom surfaces typically don’t face the same abuse as those in the kitchen (think hot frying pans, sharp carving knives and spilled Bordeaux), the decisions most buyers wrestle with are usually more about style and cost than Herculean strength. Fortunately, the top bathroom countertop materials on the market combine beauty and brawn in equal measure. Here’s a closer look at some of the most sought-after bathroom surfaces among today’s buyers.

]]>http://careyplumbingandheating.com/makeing-the-best-countertop-purchase-decision/feed/0Tips For A Problem Free Holiday Homehttp://careyplumbingandheating.com/tips-for-a-problem-free-holiday-home/
http://careyplumbingandheating.com/tips-for-a-problem-free-holiday-home/#respondFri, 19 Dec 2014 16:08:05 +0000http://careyplumbingandheating.com/?p=366Holiday Plumbing & HVAC Safety Tips Holiday time is all about get togethers with family and friends. Extra visitors in your home can add some challenges for your home’s plumbing system. Oftentimes this is when we see the most clogged toilets and broken garbage disposals. There are several things you can do to ensure your […]

Holiday time is all about get togethers with family and friends. Extra visitors in your home can add some challenges for your home’s plumbing system. Oftentimes this is when we see the most clogged toilets and broken garbage disposals. There are several things you can do to ensure your house keeps working well through the holiday season.

Here are some of our best tips:

Garbage Disposals:
Disposals work extra hard this time of year. Make sure when you use them you run cold water for 10 – 15 seconds before and after use. When using your disposal, watch what you are putting down there. If you have a hard time chopping something up with a knife as you are doing your food prep., your disposal will also have a hard time. It is best not to stick hard or stringy substances down the disposal. If your disposal is a bit smelly, lemon peels with some baking soda will help freshen things up.

Toilet Care:

Before guests arrive it is a good idea to ensure that everything is in good working order. If your toilet has had any malfunction in recent past, it might be best to make sure that the mechanics inside of your toilet tanks are changed out. To avoid clogs while you have guests, switch to single ply toilet tissue. This tissue breaks down the fastest and causes the least amount of problems of all toilet tissues. This will ensure that your toilet keeps flushing well with all the extra use.

Gas Fireplace Safety:

With guests coming over, the first rule of safety is to keep children away from hot surfaces. Everyone loves the ambiance of a fireplace crackling as you visit with friends but one burned hand can ruin more than one evening. A hearth also makes a convenient place to set things as guest come in. This is not a good idea with a fire burning. Keep things away from the fireplace by at least three feet. One tool that works to protect the fireplace area is a fireplace screen which should definitely be used at such times.

Has your fireplace been serviced for the year? It is recommended that gas log fireplaces be serviced each year. A good clean and check will ensure that your unit is working properly and that you and your guests will be safe from carbon monoxide gas.

A Note About Ventless Fireplaces:

We do not recommend the use of ventless fireplaces. When you use a ventless fireplace that is working properly, it is using up the oxygen in your home. You should always crack a window to let in more air. If at any time it starts not working 100%, it will be letting toxic gasses into the air you are breathing. You should definitely have a carbon monoxide detector if you are using any gas fireplace.

]]>http://careyplumbingandheating.com/tips-for-a-problem-free-holiday-home/feed/0Improving heating efficiency in your home.http://careyplumbingandheating.com/345/
http://careyplumbingandheating.com/345/#commentsTue, 18 Nov 2014 21:14:36 +0000http://careyplumbingandheating.com/?p=345It feels like the weather has really taken a quick turn toward winter. If this winter is anything like last winter, long and cold, it would be a good idea to have your home as energy efficient as possible. In order to do this, you may want to have a professional energy audit. If that […]

]]>It feels like the weather has really taken a quick turn toward winter. If this winter is anything like last winter, long and cold, it would be a good idea to have your home as energy efficient as possible. In order to do this, you may want to have a professional energy audit. If that is not possible, You could perform a Do-It-Yourself Home Energy Assessment. You can visit the Department of Energy’s website for more information on how to best do that.

Carey Plumbing & Heating – Your Heating Comfort Specialists.

When you do the audit, you might find air leaks that need to be covered over. You may also find other things that you could do to help save on heating costs this season.

Here are some things you can do:
1) Cover or insulate air leaks. Seal up drafts by adding weather stripping to doors and covering windows with plastic.
2) Service your heating systems. Boilers and furnaces need regular service and cleaning to run efficiently. The average cost of a yearly Clean and Tune-Up costs an average of $100. Not only will this service save you money in fuel costs, it could also save you a big headache when you wake up in the middle of the night to a cold house because your furnace has broken down. With a yearly service, your tech has a chance to replace warn or failing furnace parts.
3) Install a programmable thermostat or a programmable Wifi thermostat. You can save up to 10% on your heating costs by properly programming your thermostat to lower the temperature in the evening or while you are away.
4) Make sure you home has adequate insulation.
5) Install ceiling fans if you don’t already have them. Heat rises, so when you reverse your ceiling fans, they can help circulate warmer air back down to the floor.
6) Over time, work toward purchasing energy efficient appliances.
7) Consider replacing your old furnace or boiler. New models are much more energy efficient than older models and have the ability to save you money in the long term.
8) Do some research. There are lots of sites on the internet that have great information on saving energy, alternative energy and best practices in home energy efficiency. Who knows, you just may learn something fascinating.

Carey Plumbing and heating services Midland, Sanford, Coleman and the entire Mid-Michigan area. If you think you may want to change out an old furnace, boiler or water heater for a new energy efficient model, we would be happy to give you advice about the latest products on the market and how they can help save you on your heating costs. Call 989-687-2044 or email us at: careyphc@careyphc.com.

]]>http://careyplumbingandheating.com/345/feed/1How To Choose A Heating or AC Contractorhttp://careyplumbingandheating.com/how-to-choose-a-heating-or-ac-contractor/
http://careyplumbingandheating.com/how-to-choose-a-heating-or-ac-contractor/#commentsWed, 12 Nov 2014 15:58:04 +0000http://careyplumbingandheating.com/?p=258Choosing the right heating and cooling equipment takes some research. Let a qualified HVAC specialist help you make the right choice.

There are two important considerations when selecting the system to best fit your needs:

1) Hire a skilled contractor.

With central heating and air, product performance and reliability greatly depend on the contractor’s ability to design and install a system suited for your home.

2) Determine your wants and needs.

Because heating and cooling purchases don’t happen very often, you may not be up to speed on the latest solutions for common indoor problems. Now’s the time to speak up if you’d like to save energy, lower utility costs, correct hot and cold spots or fix a host of other problems.

A heating and air purchase is a 16-20 year commitment, so now is the time to get the system that will satisfy your family’s needs. You can do this by reviewing the questions below.

Do you want to lower your energy bills?

If you experience high gas bills in the winter, ask about 95% AFUE furnaces or higher.

If you experience high electric bills in the summer, ask about 15 SEER or higher.

Would you like to reduce the amount of hot and cold spots in your home?

Basic two-stage systems use two stages of heating or cooling to give better comfort during mild temperature days.

Better two-stage systems use two stages of heating and cooling plus a variable-speed blower to provide more even temperature and fresher air.

The best is a modulating system that offers a multitude of stages to provide the most precise temperature control and comfort. Not all manufacturers have indoor and outdoor modulating systems like Westinghouse.

Do you want to control temperature by room?

Zoning systems are designed to allow the homeowner to control the temperature by room. You can zone as little as two areas (like an upstairs and downstairs), or you can zone up to eight. The ability to zone your home, and the approach to zoning, may vary depending on your home layout and the contractor’s skill.

Would you like to incorporate new technologies into your mechanical systems?

Wifi controlled thermostats, automated humidification and de-humidification, and air purification can all be added to your system to give your home a more healthy and comfortable environment.

As you can see, when it comes to installing new HVAC systems in your home, there are many factors and many choices that can be made. I licensed and professional heating and cooling service provider can help you make the choices that best fit your needs and wants.

Replacing heating and cooling equipment in your home is an investment that will affect you and your family in lots of ways over the life of your equipment. It is best to look your options over well and expert advice will help you make the right choices for you and your family.

]]>http://careyplumbingandheating.com/how-to-choose-a-heating-or-ac-contractor/feed/1Happy Fall!!http://careyplumbingandheating.com/hello-world/
http://careyplumbingandheating.com/hello-world/#respondThu, 30 Oct 2014 17:07:33 +0000http://careyplumbingandheating.com/?p=1The best way to avoid a problem with your furnace is to get it serviced yearly.

]]>So far our weather has been a mixed bag with some beautiful days and some cold and rainy days. Nights have been cold and lots of people are turning on their furnace for the first time of the season. We have had several calls from people whose furnace did not work correctly when they turned on.

The best way to avoid a problem with your furnace is to get it serviced yearly. When you do this your furnace will last longer and you are able to find possible problems early. Get them taken care of before you are left out in the cold.

We are currently setting appointments for furnace “Clean & Check” service. Give us a call early so we can set the best time that fits your schedule. Call us at 898-687-2044
Happy Fall!!